The University Learning Center hosted a test preparation strategies workshop on Wednesday afternoon in the Pollak Library to prepare students for their upcoming finals.
Megan Miller, University Learning Center training director and coordinator, led the event, lecturing and discussing the importance of preparing for the end of the semester.
Miller discussed how to tackle test anxiety, create a study plan and what to do in the moments leading up to an exam.
The event opened with an activity where students ranked how prepared they were for their finals on a scale of 1-10 and listed why they gave themselves this score.
Students then discussed what it means to be prepared. Armando Garcia, communication sciences and disorders major, shared some of the ways he works to fight test anxiety and prepare for finals.
“After studying and going over topics, l am able to teach somebody everything that I have learned and that helps you be prepared,” Garcia said. “Focus and try to imagine what’s going to be on the test and test for that. Definitely quiz yourself, go over your notes.”
Miller also said to remember that it is only one test that you will take in your life.
“Your exam scores don’t define you. I wish I’d just told my younger self grades are important but learning is what matters,” Miller said.
Knowing academic success is important but it’s only one piece of the puzzle, Miller said.
After a discussion about test anxiety and stress relief, Miller helped students learn how to make a study plan.
This plan included implementing the Pomodoro Technique, which is studying for 25 minutes, then taking a five-minute break.
Miller also said the first two minutes are always the most difficult when studying, and that is when students must be the most focused.
The study cycle is an important piece to successful exam taking, according to Miller.
The cycle starts with previewing material before a class lecture, attending class, reviewing material as soon as the class is over, studying daily, and testing yourself on the material over time.
Miller also provided a few pointers for students as finals quickly approach.
She encouraged students to get enough sleep and keep up with their physical health to help with studying.
Garcia said the best way he is able to combat test anxiety is to start studying in advance and not wait until right before the test.
As for the actual test, Miller said students should learn as much as they could about the test format, prepare any necessary materials early, get to class early and avoid getting distracted by others.
Miller encouraged students to use other campus resources, whether it be for test preparation or for their health.
“One of the best parts about Cal State Fullerton, in my opinion, is all the free resources we have to help students with anxiety and things of that nature,” Miller said, “I know Student Wellness and Counseling and Psychological Services do a lot of stuff leading up to it, so I’d absolutely encourage students to take advantage of those resources.”
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